South Korea and Uzbekistan agreed Thursday to collaborate on joint ecological research and policy development.

The agreement was signed between Uzbekistan’s Center for State Environmental Expertise and the Korea Environment Institute.

The memorandum focuses on environmental policies through enhanced impact assessment systems, increased public participation, joint strategic projects, legislative alignment with international standards, carbon footprint reduction initiatives and specialist training programs.

“Cooperation between the Center for Environmental Expertise and the Korea Environment Institute is set to reach new heights,” director general of the Center for State Environmental Expertise Mukhamedov Gairat told The Korea Herald.

Leading a delegation, Gairat and his team studied South Korea’s environmental policy, strategic assessment and measures for carbon neutrality.

“Plans include conducting joint research on ecological expertise, as well as initiating collaborative capacity-building programs,” said Mukhamedov.

According to Mukhamedov, the initiative would enhance Uzbekistan's comprehensiveness in climate adaptation and mitigation challenges.

Sharing a press statement with The Korea Herald, the Uzbek Embassy in Seoul said that the deal will develop a unified integrated digital system for real-time environmental monitoring, harmonize national environmental legislation with international standards and improve specialists’ qualifications.

“The memorandum will establish effective mechanisms for environmental impact assessment and strategic environmental assessment, ensuring public access to environmental information and creating a solid legal framework for public hearings,” the statement added.

The agreement also aims to strengthen cooperation under the Korea International Cooperation Agency-supported project, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance Uzbekistan’s environmental assessment systems.